Indie music lovers should rejoice, and build a bonfire to dance around, now that Live Nation Bec-Tero is bringing the Hostess Club to Bangkok. The gigantic promoter's step into indie territory is a bold move as they normally handle large-scale concerts from Lady Gaga to One Direction.
It, however, doesn't really matter who brings what, as long as we're treated to diversified music for a change.
Hostess Club Bangkok will take place on Feb 19 and 20 and feature bands like Belle and Sebastian, Caribou, Tune-Yards, The Thurston Moore Band, Temples and Real Estate — names that non-mainstream music listeners are very much familiar with.
As a permanent fixture in the Tokyo live circuit, the Hostess Club Weekender happens three times a year in the Japanese capital. It has also branched out to host Hostess Club in Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila. Past artists include Vampire Weekend, Dirty Projectors, King Krule, Youth Lagoon, Asgeir, Bloc Party, Dinosaur Jr, Neutral Milk Hotel and The National to name a few.
Now it's Bangkok's turn to be included on the musical map. For the first installation, Hostess Club cleverly mixes various types of music and performers of different calibres to suit the audience.
The first day will witness Belle and Sebastian, the long standing indie outfit who doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. With ups and downs throughout their career and their nine albums, the Glaswegians are often ranked among 90s kids' list of favourite bands. It will be interesting to see what they choose to perform from their large repertoire. Another performer, Dan Snaith, better known as Caribou or Manitoba, is an electronic music star known for warmth and piercing beats over mesmerising vocals. His 2007's Andora won Canada's 2008 Polaris Music.
Born as Merrill Garbus, Tune-Yards combines world beat with experimental pop and indie folk. Having worked with Frank Ocean, Alicia Keys and Big Boi, her credibility is further confirmed by her production work for Rihanna, Shakira and M.I.A.
The name Thurston Moore alone should get Sonic Youth fanatics scrambling for tickets for the second day. Following his divorce from another Sonic Youth founder, Kim Gordon, in 2011, we're not certain what will become of Sonic Youth, the alternative rock luminaries, so for the time being, let's just enjoy The Thurston Moore Band. There's no dispute over Moore's genius and inventive guitar techniques, so festivalgoers are likely to be exposed to his unpredictability, free fall improvisation and white metal noise. For a psychedelic treat, Temples are your young men. Signed to Heavenly Records and loved by Johnny Marr, Temples will provide you with a much-needed sound sanctuary. New Jersey is not all about fist pumping and sunbeds, as it has produced one of the best-working lo-fi pop bands of recent years, Real Estate, who will take you on a property ride without any service fee.
Although many might not know half of the bands on the bill, it is a good chance to open your ears and experience a non singalong showcase for a change.
Hostess Club Bangkok is on Feb 19 and 20 at GMM Live House at CentralWorld. Ticket prices are 1,000 baht for one day and 1,800 baht for two-day combo tickets. Tickets are available at www.thaiticketmajor.com. Call 02-2622456 for further information.
